Universities Aflame

Jewish students gear up to battle Israel Apartheid Week, an annual hate-inspired phenomenon that is spreading at an alarming rate.

March 1-8 marks the fifth annual hate-fest known as Israel Apartheid Week. Originating as a singularly disturbing display in Toronto in 2005, anti-Israel propagandists are expected to hold events and demonstrations in nearly 50 cities around the world this year. According to IAW organizers, these events will liken democratic Israel to apartheid South Africa, allege that Israel committed a massacre during its recent defensive incursion into Gaza, and call for sanctions against and divestment from Israel.

If past IAW events, and the hostile activity against Israel since Operation Cast Lead are any indication, we can also expect open displays of explicit anti-Semitism, physical harassment of Jews, and vigorous attempt to curb freedom of expression among Israel supporters.

The university campuses have long been a front line for this propaganda war, but in the past month anti-Israel and anti-Semitic occurrences on campus have reached unprecedented heights. In the last eight weeks, there has been significant anti-Israel activity at more than 200 college campuses in the United States. This includes many schools with large Jewish populations, as well as universities where we have never seen such activity before.

Here are a just a few alarming incidents:

At schools including Cornell University, Columbia University, University of Texas, University of southern California, Georgetown University, American University, Syracuse University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Cincinnati, University of North Carolina and many others, there have been graphic displays, die-ins and vigils, alleging Israeli massacres and genocide, replete with mock coffins, black flags, dirtied Israeli flags, and confrontational organizers.

The Student Government at UCLA passed a very lop-sided resolution condemning Israel; similar resolutions were attempted but thwarted at several other California schools, while many Canadian universities passed motions condemning Israel.

Last week, Hampshire College made headlines when it divested from several companies doing business in Israel after a vigorous boycott campaign by the Students for Justice in Palestine there. Hampshire has since denied that the move was meant to specifically target companies doing business with Israel, but the anti-Israel movement has claimed the decision as a significant victory for boycott attempts against Israel.

There have been reports of physical assaults against Jewish students and fraternity houses at the University of British Columbia, Emory University, and York University.

At San Jose State university, the Israeli consul general was literally booed off the stage during a Q&A session, virtually shut down by protestors. A similar incident occurred at Ohio State University.

At UC Berkeley, the student government has launched a recall vote against an openly pro-Israel Student Senator, despite his not having violated any Student Government rules – and has tried to sanction the Jewish Student Union there for supporting him.

Anti-Israel demonstrations have occurred for the first time in years at schools like Arizona State University, Michigan State University, Louisiana State University and Alabama State University.

At New York University, a student group called Take Back NYU seized control of the Kimmel Center cafeteria and staged a 40–hour protest, demanding greater transparency of university investments, scholarships for students to study in Gaza, and donations of supplies to the Islamic University in Gaza, started by Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

Lack of protection for Jewish students remains an issue at York University. While continuing to remain silent on the recent entrapment of Jewish students inside a Hillel building by anti-Semitic protestors, York University has now informed Hillel and Hasbara Fellowships at York that they will be fined and suspended from campus for holding a pro-Israel rally, despite any clear violation of university rules.

Large Israel Apartheid Week events are slated to take place next week on university campuses in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and smaller versions are set to occur at many other schools across North America.

If you are a student or concerned community member, we urge you to take action via the following steps:

1. Answer the lies head on -- go to protests and speakers, hand out accurate information, and speak up!

2. Launch a strategic initiative to engage important people on campus, including the media, the administration, student leaders, professors, coalition allies.

3. Organize demonstrations of solidarity with Israel, such as rallies and educational campaigns.

4. We can't stop anti-Semitism, but we can send a message of our own. What is your plan to get the pro-Israel message out there? Choose from an array of programs and campaigns offered by Hasbara Fellowships.

5. Most importantly, if you are on a campus with anti-Israel activity, contact us (director@israelactivism.com) to help you through it!

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Since 2006, Natalie Menaged has been on the management team of Hasbara Fellowships, serving as Managing Director, National Director, and now as Director of Education. In her current capacity, Natalie oversees the Hasbara Fellowships curriculum and campaigns, activism training programs in Israel, leadership development, public relations, and other strategic initiatives. Natalie was a participant on the very first Hasbara Fellowships and was the founder and president of Gators for Israel at the University of Florida. She was extensively involved in university and state politics, as well as the Jewish community, during her time at UF. Upon graduation Natalie worked for Hasbara Fellowships as a Campus Coordinator, and then studied in Israel. With her husband Eli, Natalie was active in Jewish education and outreach in Brooklyn for many years. The Menaged family recently made aliyah to join the Israel XP program at Bar-Ilan University, where they look forward to continuing their work in Jewish education and Israel advocacy.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 30

(29)
richard sandler,
December 12, 2010 3:19 PM

time to fight back

It is time to get out the message on tv and in the newspapers. What goes on throughout the universities is news. Not just college news,not just Jewish news...its American,Canadian and national news.

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 2:57 PM

Why must Hillel chapter donate with Muslim group for "proper"pc stand.

(28)
gary fouse,
January 10, 2010 9:25 PM

UC-Irvine

I teach part time at UC Irvine, which is one of the worst campuses for this type of agitation. I attend, listen then challenge the speakers, after which I report on my blog (fousesquawk). As a result, the MSU hates me.
The university refuses to do anything about the hate speech (they say it is free speech.) I have publicly criticized them on many occasions. Many Jewish students feel intimidated on campus especially during the apartheid week. Fortunately, the local ACT for America chapter is quite concerned about the UCI situation. I encourage you to reach out to them and let them know about this problem nationwide.

(27)
Anonymous,
March 8, 2009 4:34 AM

THIS IS A MONSTROUS CRIME. I CAN'T GET MY MIND AROUND THIS INSANITY. MAY
GOD HELP US ALL--------

(26)
Larry,
March 8, 2009 4:14 AM

Dear Aish
Thank you for keeping me aware.
That is is happening in Canada and U.S. or anywhere else for that matter is frightening. Many of us felt safe particularly in North America. WW II having ended almost 65 years ago. Although many of us had nightmares for many years after the war, eventually we became lulled into a sense of security, the past becoming part of history. Once again antisemitism rears its ugly head. There are incidents in schools, in synagogues, and on the street. It is getting worse and perhaps we will once again be prisoners in our own homes. The difference today we have Israel.
What I do not understand is why are we on the defensive - trying to explain to the world what we are doing, and why we are doing it. I think it is a misconception to think that the world out there doesn't know, or wants to know or cares. As well we are dealing with incidents of antisemitism such as the York University incident, the Cupe incident and many other situations as only Jewish issues and Jewish problems.
These problems are problems for all Canadians not just Jews or Canadian Jews. Do non Jewish Canadians want Canada to look like Iraq, or Syria or Saudi Arabia? Are Canadians prepared to give up freedom of thought or of speech? Are the curriculums , discussions, thoughts in our schools to be controlled by other countries?
This fight is everyone's fight and unless everyone is involved in this fight we will again be the losers.
thank

(25)
Ken,
March 4, 2009 1:53 PM

Muslim students: committed to destroying Israel

Many of us who attended large universities shared campus with Muslim radicals who had two goals: graduate and persuade as many students as possible to join their quest to destroy Israel. Except for graduation, Jewish students' goals are very different and (during my time at school) rarely included spending time defending Israel. The hate-fest continues, and it seems as though the on-campus battles are being lost. When Jewish students decide it's no longer safe for them to attend certain schools, will those schools lament their absence?

(24)
Anonymous,
March 4, 2009 6:08 AM

Material to Counter Act

There is an excellent file to be dowbloadede from the "Stand With Us" website, to help fight this evil.

(23)
caring yid,
March 4, 2009 3:27 AM

Don't forget to pray!

One solution that wasn't mentioned here, but that the author surely had in mind is that we - the Jewish people - need to unite in prayer to
G-d to please annul the decree!

(22)
francesco,
March 3, 2009 12:38 PM

Why don't we fight back?

I agree with the comment from ari stotleman. Even at 16, in the UK, I am still harassed and mocked for my Jewish heritage and beliefs. It is evident to me and others that we must take stands against blatant acts of anti-semitism such as this, lest it develop into something less passive than 'sit-in protests'...

(21)
Ray Saperstein,
March 3, 2009 10:26 AM

Motivations

The fact that these organizations never protest against the lack of human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of the press in Arab non-democracies, which affect hundreds of millions of people, speaks volumes about their tru motivation. When was the last time these groups held a protest to support students or journalists who are imprisoned in Arab countries because they dared to speak out in protest? Do they call for boycotts of Arab countries where women have no rights? Their real motivation is obvious.

(20)
Ari Stotleman,
March 3, 2009 9:46 AM

Zionists on Strike

Masha, great point! I will write to organizations such as the World Jewish Congress and Christians for Israel. I will suggest a list of demands, like 1) International recognition of Israel and 2) Universal removal of all racist hate speech from schoolbooks and cessation of institutionalized teaching of same and then organize a strike by people who believe in these goals until they are accomplished. But it will be a work strike, not a hunger strike. The others don't care if we starve ourselves to death, but they will care when the world economy falls deeper into the abyss.

(19)
yaakov,
March 2, 2009 9:03 PM

strengthen jewish students with torah!!!!!

please keep us posted.
i also think jewish students, instead of just 'reacting/responding' should hold their own events. like a torah teach in, a tehilim-a-thon,slide/photo presentations about our tzaddikim in israel: rashbi, akiva, etc.
do things that will strengthen the souls of jewish students. it is too much to always ask these kids to fight the evil amalekites on campuses. they must also strengthen themselves with torah and jewish learning!
teach them about reb nachman, the tanya, the besht. teach them jewish stories and songs.
i am not kidding. the best way to counter this darkness is to spread the light of judaism to jewish students!
that way they will learn how to strenghten themselves.

(18)
Leon,
March 2, 2009 2:18 PM

I am a New Zealander and find that universities are no longer places of learning but for the training of agitators.
Millions being sent to restore the Gaza
is OK as long as millions are given to Israel to replace homes destroyed by the Hamas rocket attacks as well.If not,then the rest of the world is supporting terrorists.No I'm not Jewish
"unless we go back to Genises"but a follower. Having been to Israel on two occasions my Heart goes out to those Arabs,Jews,Gentiles, living in Israel in Harmony and only wanting to live in peace.
Most of the world has no knowledge that Israel is only a pinhead in size to the Arab states.Lets not forgets that the other end is as sharp as a two bladed sword.

(17)
Masha,
March 2, 2009 1:50 PM

To Ari Stotleman-- Jews on strike

I like your idea, even though it'll never happen.
Perhaps we can do "zionist on strike event" instead. The self-hating jews can still go to work if they want, but all the evangelists would join. :^)

(16)
David Gilmore,
March 2, 2009 2:31 AM

Legal help - ACLJ

If actions are taken against Jews or Jewish groups who have not violated campus rules, the American Center for Law and Justice might be a resource for legal challenge to discriminatory actions.

(15)
Anonymous,
March 2, 2009 2:19 AM

I read your article on Universities Aflame, and am horrified!!!!! We want to support the Jewish people. What can we do? I understand that this Mon. to Wed. is Purim. If ever there was a time to do a 3 day fast like Esther, I would say this is it. I feel it would be very appropriate to call on all who support the Jewish People to an Emergency Fast. If it worked for Esther, what would happen in these perilis times?

(14)
Frisco,
March 1, 2009 9:18 PM

Jews Must Fight This

And be strong. This is an outrage by the left extremists, Muslims and radicals who hate America and Israel. I wish I was still in college especially at one of the above schools. I am a fighter. Has anyone every been to atlas shrugs site by Pamella Geller?

(13)
shifra,
March 1, 2009 7:49 PM

jews have to unite more than ever in israel the jews are not toghter. the euopean and israel are not as one they even are fighting each other. they will help to destory, instead of streghten israel

(12)
Ari Stotleman,
March 1, 2009 4:19 PM

Jews on Strike Month

All Jews should unite and show the world what it would be like if Hitler won. Let's go on strike! Pick one month where we do nothing each day but go to synagogue or just stay home. I'm talking teachers, doctors, researchers, politicians, bureaucrats, business owners (close the store or factory), all of us. And let's give charity to only Jewish causes. Let the anti-Semites take care of themselves. But we'll hide behind excuses like "moral obligation", or our detractors will say we won't do it because we'd lose money. Let's call the world's bluff! "Fine. You want to see a world without Jewish thought, innovation or culture? Here it is!"

(11)
Kat,
March 1, 2009 1:59 PM

forgot to say

those accusing Israel are also quite silent that the only modern genocides taking place right now are being perpetrated by MUSLIMS on BLACK people in Africa- or Muslims killing Muslims fro being in the wrong sect- sunni killing Shia, Banglasdesh mumbai Pakistan- Ftah vs hamas killing each other - these loud protstors are veryt slective in their choice and backed by COMMUNIST money (ANSWER coalitiona nd International Socialsits) of course lefty Dem Jews who keep self blaming and also hate Israel do not help- Muslim nations have no gays because they HANG THEM- that is quite aparthied and intolerant, no? yet we see gay groups out for Palestinian cause and blacks wearing Arafat scarves.

(10)
Kat,
March 1, 2009 1:50 PM

apartheid is practiced in 100% of Muslim countries

and not one peep from left jew haters
ALL ISLAMIC nations are racist and require identity cards that declare one's relgion, if youare non MUSLIM you get NO RIGHTS, 100% of Muslim countriesd practice apartheid on 50 % of their own people>>>>WOMEN
make sure to include that info if you counter protest

(9)
Ben Zalman,
March 1, 2009 1:21 PM

Back to the 1930's in Germany.

It's Jew hatred deja vu all over again. Radical Wahabbi Islam our the new Nazis..only worse, if thats possible. Jews all over the globe should be alert. Rabbi Kahane wasn't wrong!

(8)
Barry E Lerner,
March 1, 2009 1:12 PM

stupidity

The suggested response to the antisemitism on campus is foolish in the extreme. Understand that this is not a logical exchange or intellectual discussion. It is an argument based on emotion, and in such a situation, to be on the defensive is to automatically lose. Responses that seem to be reasonable, such as 'we're only defending ourselves', or 'if only they would stop the rocket attacks', or worse yet, 'Israel is the only democracy etc' are useless and self-defeating. In an argument you must counterattack, emotionally always and illogically if necessary. Forget the rules of debate, attack, attack, attack. Tell them that Muslim extremists are assassins, that they seek to kill anyone who criticizes Islam, that women are only property, that there is no religious freedom in Arab countries, that a man may murder his wife if he merely suspects her of misbehavior, etc. All this should be couched in the most emotionally powerful phrases, loaded words and all. Note that this what they are doing to you. Being nice and reasonable, as your mother taught you, will in this situation be stupid. And useless.

(7)
Dan,
March 1, 2009 12:59 PM

The new old anit-Semitism

What I find especially frightening about this hatefest called "Israel Apartheid Week" is that it is not a spontaneous outburst by the marginal rabble of society, but a well-orchestrated, well-funded plan carried out by the (supposedly) educated elite, the future leaders of society. Tehilim 146:3. We must do our hishtadlut, and know that the Almighty is our Protector.

(6)
Anonymous,
March 1, 2009 12:38 PM

Telling Jewish people to attend these events is bad advice.

Your advice at the end of this article for Jewish people to show up at these events to "hand out literature" to stop the lies is absurd. Large masses of rabid, furious antisemites are not going to stop to read literature handed to them by Jewish students. What planet are you on? Showing up at these events is only going to result in beatings by the hostile mobs, thirsty for revenge against their percieved enemy: Jews. My advice to myself, and other Jews is stay the heck away from these protests because they are dangerous. If anyone does show up, they better be armed.

(5)
Joanna Gentry,
March 1, 2009 11:49 AM

Outrage

It seems as if our american universities are turning into nothing more than 'dens of iniquity'!! I live very close to Auburn AL and if there are protests there, please let me know...Also, please tell me how I can counterattack (prayer of course) these uprisings in my community. Shalom and I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel and her people. Thank you so very much. Again, Shalom

(4)
Dr. Tedd Koren,
March 1, 2009 11:30 AM

Where are the teachers?

What kind of teachers brainwash studetns with one-sided bigotry? Let's see how democratic and open the Islamic countries are - let them all move there.

(3)
Anonymous,
March 1, 2009 10:20 AM

Let them have what they want

Take Back NYU wants scholarships for students to study in Gaza? I say, give them what they want. Let them go to Gaza and discover exactly what happens there. Heck, give them an all-expenses couple of weeks in Sderot too.

(2)
Dylan,
March 1, 2009 9:36 AM

Pro-Israel

I just wish for all people out there to know that I support Israel.

(1)
Nancy Weiss-McQuide,
March 1, 2009 9:08 AM

Frightenind developments, we must know the facts, to speak up.

WHere was the outrage when Hamas rockets maimed and killed Israelis, including women and children, for years?? NWM

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!